The Dutch shepherd has a herding history, just like other shepherds, but is a much rarer breed than some. This breed also excels in working with law enforcement, the military, and as guide dogs along with being loving and loyal family dogs. Dutch shepherds are not for the couch potato or sedentary family. They are very active, energetic, athletic, and need plenty of exercise. All dogs begin life as puppies and who doesn't love puppies? They are small and adorable but need plenty of care; even Dutch shepherds! Puppies, despite their cuteness, need to be trained and when you take your Dutch shepherd home, it won't be too long until all of their very sweet, but messy and noisy ways begin to wear a little thin. Keep your patience because puppies aren't puppies for very long and this time goes by quite rapidly. The following post will be information on Dutch shepherd puppies as well as a Dutch shepherd puppy growth chart. I will also provide a Dutch shepherd puppy feeding chart. Image by Nico Weinhold from Pixabay For your dog’s vitamin supplement, dog food, dog toys, or other dogs product please visit the Health Extension website. Dutch Shepherds, the Breed The Dutch shepherd is a cousin to the German and Belgian shepherd and often, many can't tell one from the other. The relationship came about because it is believed that at some point in time, both the Belgian and Dutch shepherd was crossbred with the very well-known German shepherd. The origins of the Dutch shepherd began in the Netherlands where this breed was a herding dog of sheep, sometimes milk cows, and even chickens. In 1898, this breed had many different shades and colors of fur but by 1914, it was bred for only brindle pattern colorings as the standard for this breed. This would enable one to distinguish the Belgian shepherd and the German shepherd from the Dutch shepherd. The Dutch shepherd almost reached extinction due to the lack of shepherds needed for farm use when new and modern techniques for farming were developed. Breeding of these shepherds halted during World War II which also cut down the number of shepherds. There are three different varieties of Dutch shepherds, and in 1959, permission was granted to use the Belgian Laekenois for breeding. With its wiry and curly coat, this allowed one variety, the rough-haired Dutch shepherd, to flourish. Dutch shepherds all increased in numbers and gained popularity. Today, the Dutch shepherd still remains a rarity in many areas but does have fewer health problems, unlike their cousin, the German shepherd, due to overbreeding. Dutch shepherds are used for police and military work, as search and rescue dogs, guide dogs, and as family dogs and companions. Puppies can be somewhat hard to find, but there are good breeders of Dutch shepherds out there. It may take a little research and detective work on your part. To check your Dutch Shepherds Puppies’ health status or their DNA checks, please visit the Embark vet website for all the help you may need. Dutch Shepherd Puppy Growth Chart Dutch shepherds usually grow to a height between 21 and 24 inches and on average, weigh between 40lbs and 75lbs. This breed will weigh less than a German Shepherd and have a leaner and sleeker physique, while the German shepherd is stockier and more muscular. Below is a Dutch shepherd puppy growth chart. Dutch Shepherd Puppies agesGrowths weight by Pound lb Growths weight by kilograms Kg1 month4,4lbs - 8,8lbs1,99 Kg - 3,99 Kg3 months8lbs - 12lbs3,63Kg - 5,44 Kg4 months12lbs - 20lbs5,44 Kg - 9,07 Kg5 months17lbs - 29lbs7,7 Kg - 13,15 Kg6 months24lbs - 37lbs10,89Kg - 16,78 Kg7 months30lbs - 45lbs13.61 Kg - 20.41 Kg8 months32lbs - 52lbs15,52 Kg - 23,59 Kg9 months35lbs - 59lbs23,59Kg -26,76 Kg10 months37lbs - 63lbs16,78Kg - 28,58Kg11 months 38lbs - 65lbs17,24Kg - 29,49Kg12 months39lbs - 68lbs17,69Kg -30,84Kg13 months41lbs - 72lbs18,59Kg -32,67Kg14 months42lbs - 75lbs19,05Kg - 34,02kgTable 1 Dutch Shepherd Puppy Growth Chart The majority of growth in the Dutch shepherd occurs in early puppyhood. When growth spurts occur, they can gain up to 2lbs a week. Many of these breeds may also not be totally finished growing in a year and may fill out more for a few years after their first birthday. Maturation, mentally, may also not also be complete at the age of one for your Dutch shepherd. They may have an adult body but will still be playful and rambunctious at times. This is why training and socialization are so important early on for your puppy, so they can become confident and grow into a well-mannered and well-behaved adult. Dutch Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart Your Dutch shepherd puppy needs high-quality food with essential vitamins and minerals for optimal nutrition. The adult weight chart displays average weights and there is no exact right or wrong unless weight falls below or above averages. Every dog is an individual and may grow at a different rate. Puppies cannot grow and develop properly without good nutrition and that's why your Dutch shepherd puppy needs just the right amount of food every day for their age and weight. Below is a feeding chart for your Dutch shepherd puppy. For their age, puppies should be fed as many times a day as listed. The amount, however, can vary depending on the type of food, your puppy's weight, age, and any recommendations from your veterinarian. Dutch Shepherd puppies by ages Food feeding Times pay a day 8 -12 weeks 1 /2 cup 4 times a day 3 - 6 months1 cup3 times a day 6 - 9 months1, 1/2 cup2 times a day 9 - 12 months 2 cups2 times a day 12 months and up3 cups2 times a dayTable 2 Dutch Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart Some owners feed their dogs 1times a day when they are a year old. It has been found though, that digestion is better with their daily amount split into two meals and fed 2 times a day. Your pup will not be as ravenous when mealtime comes if they are fed twice daily. Keep in mind that puppies always seem hungry and will eat as much as you offer them. Do not overfeed your puppy. This is bad for their health and if too much weight is gained this can cause injury or malformation to still-developing bones and joints. Feeding Your Dutch Shepherd Puppy Nutrition is extremely important for a growing puppy. Feed your pup high-quality food that includes all vitamins, minerals, and supplements without too many fillers, additives, preservatives, artificial colors, or flavorings. Many food options are available for puppies today such as: Kibble Canned food Raw Diet ( prepared yourself or pre-packaged) Homemade Diet (prepared yourself or pre-packaged freeze-dried or frozen) You can give your Dutch shepherd some people food such as fruits, vegetables, or even cooked eggs. These must be safe fruits and veggies as some can be poisonous to dogs. Ask your veterinarian or do some research before feeding produce. These foods are meant to be a treat or to mix with their food for some added flavor and nutrition. These foods should make up no more than 10% of their daily diet. Always provide your Dutch shepherd puppy with fresh water throughout the day and thoroughly wash water and food bowls on a regular basis. Limit treats, especially commercially packaged bones and meat treats, which may be artificial. They can be offered occasionally or for use with training, but don't make a regular habit with this type of treatment. They can become unhealthy by adding excess weight. Offering a carrot to chew on is much more nutritious and will keep them busy for a while. More Needs of the Dutch Shepherd Puppy Along with proper nutrition, Dutch shepherd puppies have a few other needs to keep them healthy and mold them into all-around obedient, fit, and clean dogs. Socialization Your Dutch shepherd puppy needs plenty of socialization to grow up calm and self-assured in any situation. Take your pup with you to as many different places as you can and expose them to different people, children, and other dogs. Training Training is essential for any puppy and it is needed to create a bond and to teach your puppy right from wrong and do's and don'ts. No one likes or wants an out-of-control adult dog and usually, the dog is not the one to blame if they haven't been trained properly. Once your pup has had its vaccinations, you can enroll them in obedience class. This also helps with socialization by being around other people and puppies. It is never too early for training. Exercise Exercise for your Dutch shepherd puppy is not only important for your pup's health but their brain is also stimulated by activity and this keeps them from becoming bored. Boredom often leads to a rambunctious and sometimes destructive dog who may chew furniture or shred pillows when left alone. For puppies, exercise can begin slowly with games and light walking so growing bones don't become damaged. As they grow, you can extend exercise time to longer walks and play sessions. Health Care Regular veterinary visits are necessary for all puppies to check height, and weight and make sure they are growing properly. Vaccinations are needed as well as making sure your pup is developing correctly, both mentally and physically. Grooming No one likes a stinky puppy, so baths are essential as well as cleaning the puppy's ears, wiping their eyes, nose, and mouth, and trimming their nails. Grooming can affect overall health because while grooming you can check out their skin for any red patches or rashes and also for fleas and ticks. Parasites carry germs and can cause puppies to become ill. Don't forget to clean your Dutch shepherd puppy's teeth as part of the grooming process. Your puppy needs its teeth brushed to eliminate bad breath and tartar and plaque build-up, which can cause tooth decay. If your pup's teeth are not taken care of this can cause gum disease and more serious health problems down the road. If you are considering getting a Dutch shepherd puppy, be sure you do your homework. This breed is a wonderfully affectionate, loving, obedient, and loyal dog, but raising any dog takes patience, consistency, and money. Yes, money does play a role and is needed for food and veterinary care, which at times, can be quite costly. The Dutch shepherd puppy may not be the right dog for everyone. They also require plenty of daily exercises. For those who are up to the task, the Dutch shepherd makes a great companion and addition to your family.
